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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Fairfield Christian hoping to reverse fortunes after 1-9 season

After a struggling through a 1-9 season in 2017, and even though the Knights have a lot of experience returning, they have to get off to a good start to the season if they expect to change their fortunes.

There is no doubt Fairfield Christian should be more competitive than it was a year ago, but Turner thinks winning the first game against Landmark Christian, will be a tone-setter for the rest of the season.

“We have to get Game 1 because that will set the tone for the season,” Turner said. “It shows the kids that nothing they have gone through in the past two years has gone in vain. I’ve seen them grow a lot just as people, but they need to see themselves grow as competitors and they need to see victories. I really think Week 1 will set the tone for the rest of the season.”

The Knights returned a combined 13 starters on offense and defense and welcome in a talented freshman class. Turner sees a big difference from the competitive side of things. Numbers are up as, well, with 27 players on the roster compared to only 19 a year ago.

“The overall unity aspect of the team is different, and I see certain people stepping up in leadership roles in different ways,” Turner said. Some of those being the captains and some not being captains. We have a very talented freshman class of 11 players, they were successful in their junior high seasons.

“They are the ones that understand competition makes everyone better. They have made the upperclassman better because they are able to compete. We are better than last year in that we are tougher, and we have some experience under our belt, and our knowledge of the game has grown, as well.”

Turner is banking on senior quarterback David Forbes to lead the way. Forbes missed six games a year ago after suffering an injury.

“That experience will help him,” Turner said. “He has the knowledge of the game and understands it is a numbers game. For him, it is a matter of doing what you are supposed to when you are supposed to and staying true to that and being a ruler and not just following the rules but owning the rules.”

Collin Hamler and Max Ross, both seniors, return at running backs, and on the offensive line, there are only two returners in Hunter Moxley and Payton Young. Other returning starters include Wyatt Schultz, Christian Bates, Cam Letner, Christian Bates, Kyle Keller and Tim Edwards will all provide much-needed experience.

The Knights suffered some lopsided losses a year ago, but Turner thinks there are enough pieces in place and enough experience returning to make them a lot more competitive. He likes the way the Knights are coming together as a team.

“Unity, playing together as a team, playing together as a unit and understanding there is a brotherhood and accountability and responsibility and everyone working on the same page, is what will help turn things around,” Turner said. “Be disciplined and be rulers and see it through. They have to keep playing and when adversity strikes and keep fighting and keep getting up. We have improved on that from last year.”

Team outlook: After suffering several lopsided losses in 2017, the Knights seem like they can reverse their fortunes this season if they can get off to a good start and gain some confidence. It helps having Forbes back at quarterback, but he must stay healthy.